GOOD NEWS!!! Who Cares?!

Linda Davis Kyle

A Modern Day Good Samaritan

Recently, a reader sent me some good news from Seabrook, Texas. "Julie" was involved in a harrowing experience that revealed not only a faltering and darker side of humanity but also, surprisingly, an unflinching and brighter one.

As Julie sat quietly in the turn lane at a busy intersection, the car in front of her began its turn. Instantly, it was halted by the crushing impact of a red truck that had run the red light. The truck then raced from the scene.

Julie checked on the weeping young female driver, and learned the girl's father had just bought the brand new sports car for her the previous evening.

The surrounding traffic was gnarled as drivers made their way around the damaged vehicle and debris while Julie and the girl waited for help from police and EMS.

A state trooper quickly arrived on the scene, and, as he began directing traffic and preparing to have the victim's disabled and not-yet-insured car towed, a different red truck arrived on the scene.

This driver had chased the offending truck without regard to his own safety. This pursuit had entailed the hero following the villain to the end of a dead-end street. Not only did the helpful driver supply the trooper with the offender's license plate number, but also had gotten close enough to the hit-and-run driver during his pursuit to observe and formulate a useful description.

The grateful trooper thanked the man and immediately issued an APB (All Points Bulletin) for the truck. Julie wrote of her surprise that anyone "would chase a criminal in today's crime-ridden, gang-infested society." Julie openly praised the man for his quick thinking and considerate actions. She wrote that he became shy and reserved upon receiving her compliments.

"A modern day Good Samaritan." That's what Julie called him.

Who was that Good Samaritan? He was just one of the many silent heroes that are all around us. We merely must look for them and acknowledge their caring and concern for others.

In addition to the many dedicated EMS personnel and police officers who safeguard us daily, there are others quietly lending a hand when and where it is needed, just like Julie and the driver who made it his business to help valiantly when he saw the need.

After reading Julie's compassionate letter, I can only assume that she, too, would have stopped to lend a helping hand, even if the bumper of the young girl's car had not flown off upon impact and slammed into her hood.

The attitudes and actions of the humble heroes involved in this incident bring to mind Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words, "The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where [he or she] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [he or she] stands at times of challenge and controversy."